Replies

1. 
   Pattiann42 | Jan 26, 2009 12:57am | #1

   Everyone has their favorite.

   It is best to make a list of things you like to sew and what feature on a SM would make life easier.

   Take the list and add the budget and then visit and try as many machines has you can.

   Buy the machine you like best from the dealer you like best.

   This has never failed me.

    

1. 
   DigitAlice | Jan 26, 2009 03:51am | #4

   Thank you!

2. 
   Palady | Jan 26, 2009 02:19am | #2

   Spicegirl1 said it well, do try as many machines as you can from as many dealers as possible.

   Because you sew. go with as many fabric scrap variations as you have.  Use these to test drive. 

   Maybe these URL's will give you some insight.

   http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00133.asp

   http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmachineindex/bb/buymachine.ht

   me

   ETA - my apology, I goofed in replying to the wrong member.

    

    

   
   

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   Edited 1/25/2009 6:22 pm ET by Palady

1. 
   DigitAlice | Jan 26, 2009 03:52am | #5

   Thank you for your reply!

3. 
   MaryinColorado | Jan 26, 2009 02:56am | #3

   The Brother NX series are nice machines, my mil bought one this year. 

   I love my Husqvarna/Vikings

   When you have some thoughts on which machines you like, go to http://www.patternreview.com  You can join for free if you want.  They have many sewing machines that are evaluated by their owners.  It includes what they do and do not like about the machines.

   Local "authorized  brand" service and repair.  (You don't want to ship it somewhere)

   Reputable dealer: maybe check with local Better Business Bureau too, word of mouth....let us know what city you are near (without giving your location, just where you'd be shopping)  maybe one of us can recommend a dealer we have been happy with and why.

   Test drive: use a variety of your fabric (theirs will have spraystarch or stabilizer and a different hand than yours possibly).  Try out buttonholes (with a bit of stabilizer or the stitches will sink in).  Try several different stitches.  Check for vibration, noise, ease of use.  Does it have large enough "harp" area if you do quilts or bulky sewing.  Available accessory feet.   Free learn your machine classes. 

   I don't like lightweight machines because they vibrate. 

   The presserfeet are unique:  there are "floating feet" (I like),  there are stitch regulators that prevent fabric from bunching up, dual feed, etc.

   snap on or screw on presserfeet

   low, med, high speed adjustments  some with "cruise control" like in a car

   You may want to conside a gently used ( or used just for classes) reconditioned and guaranteed machine

   You should be able to get exactly what you want at that price I think.  Don't tell them what you want to spend, just what you are looking for in a machine and the type of sewing you will do: garment, children/babies, quilting, heirloom, home dec.  etc.  Make sure it is heavy duty enough for your needs. 

   Good luck and do lots of research and enjoy the process!  You will be happier with your machine after exploring your options before purchase.

   You can go to the different companies websites:  http://www.husqvarnavikingusa.com,  babylock  http://www.bernina  brother  pfaff  etc.  just google search the brand name